Expansible nursery unit



3 Sheets-Sheet 1 J. B. TIGRETT ETAL EXPANSIBLE NURSERY UNIT FIG. 2

Dec. 29, 1964 Filed Aug. 19, 1963 IN VEN TORS UPPLES JOHN BURTON TIGRE TT BY AT TO R N EY JAMES L. C

Dec. 29, 1964 J. B. TIGRETT ETAL 3,162,866 EXPANSIBLE NURSERY UNIT Filed Aug. 19, 1963 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTORS JAMES L. CUPPLES JOHN BURTON TIGBETT Q a K ATTOBNEY Dec. 29, 1964 J, 5, TlGRETT 'ETAL 3,162,866

EXPANSIBLE NURSERY UNIT INVENTORS JAMES L. CUPPLES JOHN BURTON TIGRETT BY Q M ATTORNEY United States Patent Ofifice 3,162,866 Patented Dec. 29, 196- 1 3,162,866 EXFANSEBLE NURSERY UNlT John Burton Tigrett and James L. Cupples, Jackson, Tenn, assignors to Tigrett Industries, Inc, Jackson, Tenn, a corporation of Tennessee Filed Aug. 19, 1963, Ser. No. 303,071 6 Claims. (Cl. 98)

This invention relates in general to infant equipment, and, more particularly, to a nursery unit in the nature of a playpen.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a playpen incorporating expansible characteristics, being thereby adapted for lateral extension to increase the useful area thereof and for corresponding contraction as for bed-forming purposes and the like.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a playpen designed for facile maneuverability whereby the said playpen may be easily moved from one location to another with its contractability permitting ready passage through confined areas, such as doorways and the like. i

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a playpen having the characteristics stated which may be easily expanded and contracted so that the operations may be elfected by the average housewife; and which playpen is adapted for stability in selected condition of use.

It is a still further object of the present invention to provide a playpen which may be fabricated of sturdy, light-weight components for conducing to ease of handling; which comprises a simplicity of parts and is, hence, resistant to breakdown; which may be easily folded into a compact unit for convenient storage in minimum space or for ready portability; which may be most economically manufactured; and which is reliable and safe for infant usage.

Other objects and details of the present invention will be apparent from the following description, when read in connection with the accompanying drawings (3 sheets) wherein FIGURE 1 is an elevational view of a side of an expansible nursery unit constructed in accordance with and embodying the present invention, illustrating the said unit in expanded condition.

FIGURE 2 is a bottom plan view taken on the line 22 of FIGURE 1.

FIGURE 3 is a vertical transverse section taken on the line 33 of FIGURE 2. a

FIGURE 4 is a top plan view of the unit illustrated in FIGURE 1. a

FIGURE 5 is a vertical transverse section taken on the line 5-5 of FIGURE 4.

FIGURE 6' is a horizontal transverse section taken on the line 66 of FIGURE 1.

FIGURE 7 is a vertical transverse section taken on the line 7-7 of FIGURE 2.

FIGURE 8 is an elevational view of a side of the nursery unit when in contracted condition.

FIGURE 9 is a bottom plan view taken on the line 99 of FIGURE 8.

FIGURE 10 is a top plan view of the nursery unit in contracted condition.

Referring now by reference characters to the drawings which illustrate the preferred embodiment of the present invention, A generally designates a nursery unit hereinafter referred to as a playpen comprising an upper top frame 1 composed of two interrelated complementary U-shaped sections 2, 2' constructed of sturdy tubular stock. Said sections 2, 2 incorporate parallel main or rail-fiorming portions 3, 3', respectively, each of which constitutes an end of frame 1. Each main portion 3, 3 is bent perpendicularly at its opposite ends to provide .a relatively long leg 4 and a short leg 5. Forming an extension, and rigidly secured on, each short leg 5, is an elongated sleeve 6 having a slightly greater outside diameter than the inside diameter of the long leg 4 so that the long leg 4 of the opposite U-shaped section may be received slidingly within sleeve 6. It will, thus, be seen that the short leg 5 and associated sleeve 6 of one section 2 or 2, as the case may be, is aligned axially the long leg of the other section and because of the slideability of the long leg 4 within the related sleeve 6, sections 2, 2' may be moved relatively toward and away from each other. Each sleeve 6 is provided proximate its free end with a lateral slot or opening 7 for extension therethrough of a button-like-locking member 8 which is resiliently mounted upon a leaf spring 9 secured within the related long leg 4, so that when sections 2, 2' are in mutually extended relationship locking members 8 will spring through openings 7 and thereby securely lock the top frame 1 in such extended condition, as may best be seen in FIGURE 1. In order to return sections 2, 2 to contracted condition, the user need merely press irrwardly upon locking members 8 so as to force same inwardly through openings 7 to thereby free sleeves 6 for movement relative to the associated long legs 4 and thus permit contraction of top frame 1. I

Extending downwardly from each main portion 3, 3' of each U-shaped section 2, 2 is a pair of spaced-apart mounting brackets 11 to which is pivotally engaged as by means of a pin 12 the upper end of vertical support legs 13 which are thus adapted for swingable movement within a vertical plane; each leg 13 being preferably provided with a caster 14 at its lower end for rendering unit A mobile. The legs 13 at one end of unit A are aligned with the legs at the other end of said unit.

Lateral support is provided between aligned pairs of legs 13 by means of interconnecting crossbars 15; each crossbar 15 being of two-part construction comprising an inner tubular member 16 afiixed at its outer end to one of the vertical legs of the related pair and a sleeve 17 having a slightly greater internal diameter than the outside diameter of the related tubular member 16 for slideably receiving same. Each sleeve 17 is secured fixedly at its outer end to the opposite vertical leg of the associated pair. Thus, by the construction of crossbars 15 the opposed legs 13 may be moved toward and away from each other as the unit is extended or contracted. For purposes of stabilization, it will be noted that the tubular member 16 and sleeve 17 of one cross bar are in reverse relationship to the tubular member 16 and sleeve 17 of the other crossbar 15.

Surrounding each leg 13 of playpen A and positioned for relative movement axially thereof is a retaining bracket 18 (FIGURE 6); each bracket 18 being fastened, as by suitable means, to the adjacent central or rail-forrm ing portions 19, 19' of lower U-shaped sections 20, 20', respectively, which constitute a lower or bottom frame 26 planarwise parallel to top frame 1 and of substantially identical construction. Thus, each central portion 19 of each U-shaped section 20, 2%) is perpendicularly bent at its ends to provide a relatively long and a relatively short leg 21, 22, respectively; there being a sleeve 23 secured to each short leg 22 for slideably receiving the long leg of the other section 20, 2.0 to thereby permit the said sections 20, 20 to be readily movable toward and away from each other for extension and contraction purposes. As. may best be seen in FIGURE 3, sections 21!, 20' are adapted to be maintained in extended relationship by means of a locking pin 24 mounted upon a leaf spring 25 provided within each long leg 21 and presented for pro 3 trusion through an opening 27 provided in the associated sleeve 23 when the said opening is in registration with the locking pin 24 as the section 29, 24) are being moved away from each other. To release sections 20, 20' from extended condition it is necessary to force locking pins 24- inwardly through openings 27 so as to permit relative movement of long leg 21 with respect to its surrounding sleeve 23. Thus, it will be seen that top frame 1 and bottom frame 26 are very easily operated for extending the nursery unit of the present invention as such is effected through an outward pulling action which is arrested by locking members 8, 24 springing their related openings 7, 27, respectively. Due to the operation of the said locking means, unit A will remain stable and rigid in extended condition and may only be returned to contracted state by the initial, manual disl-odgement of locking members 8, 24 from locked condition, and then by the subsequent movement of the ends of top and bottom frames 1, 26 toward each other.

1 Structural support is provided between the sleeves 23 of bottom frame 26 by the interposition of a brace 23 which is rigidly fastened at one of its ends to one of said sleeves, as by a T-shaped bracket 23, and which, at its other end, mount a slide bracket 34 for slideable movement upon the opposite sleeve.

Mounted on bottom frame 26 is a flat base plate 31, as formed of pressed wood or the like, being rigid and relatively of light weight. Said base plate 31 is secured along its outer end margin upon central portion 19' of U-shaped section 20' and is engaged adjacent its opposite end margin upon brace 28. It will be seen that the end margin of base plate 31 adjacent brace 28 terminates slightly therebeyond so that base plate 31 is of slightly less extent than playpen A when in contracted condition so that its said end margin will terminate spacedly from, but proximate to, central portion 19 of U-shaped section 20 (FIGURE 9). in its side marginal areas the said base plate 31 will rest upon the underlying, intervening portions of the said U-shaped sections 20, 2t). Presented overlyingly upon base plate 31 is a cooperating, upper plate 32, of like construction as base plate 31 and of the same transverse extent. Said upper plate 32 on its outer end port-ion is secured upon central portion 19 of U-sh aped frame 20 and with its opposite end edge free, The length of upper plate 32 is determined by the extent of expansibility of playpen A, as its length is necessarily greater than the extent of expansibility. Thus, the free end edge of base plate 32 may terminate spacedly from central portion 19 of U-Shaped section 20' (FIGURE 9). It will be seen that base plate 31 and co-openating upper plate 32 jointly span the distance between central portions 19, 19 of U-shap-ed sections 20, 20' whether playpen A is in contracted or in extended condition. As playpen A is moved into extended condition the said plates 31, 32 will move relatively away from each other into the relationship shown in FIGURES 2 and 7 wherein the extent of overlap is at a minimum. Upon return movement to contracted position, the said plates will move relatively toward each other in a mutual sliding action into the condition shown in FIGURE 10. Thus, the said plates 31, 32 provide an expansible floor which is rigid and strong in either condition.

Suspended from top frame 1, throughout its entire extent, is a netting or mesh 33, as of nylon fabric, or the like, having an inherent resiliency and being of general tubular form; said netting 33 being secured in its upper margin to a sleeve-forming mounting strip 34 which incorporates lateral elastic sections 35; said latter receiving the co-operating legs 4 and sleeves 6 of sections 20, 20"

are directed through the adjacent one of a pair of spacedapart openings 38, 39 formed in base plate 31 and located proximate brace 28; said drawstrings 36, 37 thus passing upwardly through said openings 38, 39 for extension through openings 40, 41, rsepectively, provided in upper plate 32 near the free end edge thereof; said opening 46, 41 being aligned with openings 38, 39, respectively, .along lines parallel to the longitudinal axis of playpen A. Above upper plate 32 the ends of the said drawstrings are mutually secured as indicated at 42 (FIGURE 4) to present a continuous drawstring arrangement.

The novel netting and drawstring arrangement readily assures that the sides of the playpen A, between top frame 1 and lower frame 26, will at all times be properly enclosed regardless of the condition of playpen A.

As may best be seen in FIGURES 2 and 4, when playpen A is in extended condition, openings 43, 41 in upper plate 32 will be immediately proximate openings 38, 39 in base plate 31 so that drawstrings '36, 37 are permitted maximum release for commensurate expansion of netting 33. As plates 31, 32 are moved into contracted condition the said upper plate 32 will thus pull the drawstrings 36, 37 and thereby gather the lower end of netting 33 to assure appropriate contraction of the same so that when playpen A is in contracted position, as shown in FIG- URES 9 and 10, the drawstrings will have been sulficiently pulled so as to pull the lower portions of netting 33 together whereby the depending portions will be of desired tautness. Thus, as described, the co-action of plates 31, 32 will bring about the requisite expansion and contraction of netting 33.

A flexible handle 43, as of fiber or the like, is secured at its ends upon base plate 31 for extension thereabove. Upper plate 32 is provided in its free end margin with a pair of spaced-apart recesses 44, 44 for receiving opposite end portions of handle 43 when plates 31, 32 are in mutually extended relation, as may best be seen in FIGURE 4. The said handle 43 in engaged relation serves as an interlocking member for plates 31, 32, as well as presenting accessible means for facilitating vertical lifting of the plates 31, 32 for purposes of positioning the same at a convenient height to the user, or to place playpen A in condition for compact storage or portability wherein legs 13 would be appropriately pivoted about their mounting brackets 11 into substantially planar para-llel relationship to base plate 31.

From the foregoing, the operation of playpen A should be readily apparent. The extensibility and contractability of said playpen A endows the latter with a marked versatility so that use or play areas of an extent hitherto unknown, are provided by playpen A. Furthermore, the maneuverability of playpen A is noteworthy in that the same can be readily contracted for passage through a narrow opening, such as a doorway, without necessitating collapsing as was heretofore required with playpen units. Upon arrival of the playpen in its succeeding location, the same may be readily returned to extended condition. As indicated, the means for effecting extension or contraction of playpen A are easily effected, so that the average housewife may accomplish same without the use of tools or the aid of other individuals.

Playpen A is sturdy in any of its various conditions of use and is thus reliable and safe for infants. It will, of course, be recognized that the floor of playpen A will normally be covered by a mattress or the like for comfort of the infants during usage. 7

It is apparent, as set forth above, that playpen A may be easily collapsed into a compact unit for storage in limited space or for ease of portability. 7

It should be understood that changes and modifications in the formation, construction, arrangement, and combination of the several parts of the expansible nursery unit may be made and substituted for these herein shown and described Without departing from ciple of our invention.

the nature and prin- Having thus described our invention, what we claim and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. An expansible playpen comprising a top frame member, a bottom frame member, each of said top and bottom frame members comprising a pair of co-operating U-shaped sections adapted for mutual extension and contraction, a flat base plate mounted on one of the U-shaped sections of the bottom frame member, an upper plate disposed overlyingly of, and upon, said base plate said upper plate being free on its sides and inner transverse end and being secured in its outer transverse portion to the other of the U-shaped sections of said bottom frame member whereby upon mutual extension of said frame members, the upper plate will slide relatively over the base plate for providing an extension to said base plate for accommodating the extended condition of the playpen.

2. An expansible playpen having a top frame member, a bottom frame member, each of said top and bottom frame members comprising first and second co-operating U-shaped sections adapted for movement toward and away from each other, each U-shaped section having a pair of parallel legs and a connecting transverse portion, a brace extending between the legs of said first bottom U-shaped member in parallel relationship to the related connecting transverse portion, a base plate mounted on the first U-shaped section of said bottom frame member, said base plate being's-ecured in its outer and inner transverse end portions to the connecting transverse portion and brace, respectively, of said first bottom U-shaped member, an upper plate provided in overlying relationship upon said base plate and being secured in its outer end portion to the connecting transverse portion of said second U-shaped section of said bottom frame member and being free at its sides and inner end portion and being adapted for providing an extension to said base plate when the bottom and top frame members are in extended relationship, and a resilient side-forming member extending between and connecting said top and bottom frame members.

3. An expansible playpen as defined in claim 2 and further characterized by means connecting said resilient side-forming means and said base plate and slide plate for effecting commensurate expansion and contraction of said means upon playpen extending and contracting movement of said top and bottom frame members.

4. An expansible playpen as defined in claim 2 and further characterized by said resilient side-forming means comprising a tubular netting extending at its lower end beneath the base plate and upper plate, and the means connecting said netting to said plates comprising drawstrings engaged at one of their ends Within the netting and tion, and a short leg and a long leg formed at opposite ends of said central portion in perpendicular relationship thereto, a sleeve-forming member being fixedly mounted on the short leg of each U-shaped section for slideably receiving in a telescopic manner the long leg of the other section, a brace member extending between the sleeve-forming members of said bottom frame in axial parallel relationship to the central portions of the U- shaped sect-ions, a base plate mounted on said first U-shaped section of the bottom frame member being secured in one end marginal area upon the central portion of such U-shaped section and being secured adjacent its other end upon said brace member, an upper co-operating plate presented in overlying relationship upon said base plate being secured in its outer end marginal area upon the central portion of the second U-shaped section of the bottom frame and having its opposite end free so that as said sections are moved away from and toward each other for playpen extension and contraction, the said upper plate will correspondingly slide upon the base plate so as to jointly form therewith a support area commensurate with the condition of the playpen.

6. An expansib le playpen as defined in claim 5 and further characterized by a resilient netting extending from said top frame throughout the extent thereof downwardly about and beneath the bottom frame, drawstrings threaded through the lower margin of the netting, and means connecting said drawstrings to said base plate and upper plate for gathering and ungathering of the lower end of the netting to accommodate the relative positions of the base plate and upper plate.

References'Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 585,846 7/97 Kean 5183 985,355 2/11 Lockhart 5183 1,306,614 6/19 Novick 5181 1,528,129 3/25 Phillips 7 5311 2,873,458 2/59 Adamson 598 2,930,053 3/60 Nowels 5320 FOREIGN PATENTS 5 87,777 1/25 France.

FRANK B. SHERRY, Primary Examiner. 

1. AN EXPANSIBLE PLAYPEN COMPRISING A TOP FRAME MEMBER, A BOTTOM FRAME MEMBER, EACH OF SAID TOP AND BOTTOM FRAME MEMBERS COMPRISING A PAIR OF CO-OPERATING U-SHAPED SECTIONS ADAPTED FOR MUTUAL EXTENSION AND CONTRACTION, A FLAT BASE PLATE MOUNTED ON ONE OF THE U-SHAPED SECTIONS OF THE BOTTOM FRAME MEMBER, AN UPPER PLATE DISPOSED OVERLYINGLY OF, AND UPON, SAID BASE PLATE SAID UPPER PLATE BEING FREE ON ITS SIDES AND INNER TRANSVERSE END AND BEING SECURED IN ITS OUTER TRANSVERSE PORTION TO THE OTHER OF THE U-SHAPED SECTIONS OF SAID BOTTOM FRAME MEMBER WHEREBY UPON MUTUAL EXTENSION OF SAID FRAME MEMBERS, 